Eric Boggs 
Sherrone Moore celebrates after defeating USC to open conference play.
In a gritty, old-school Big Ten showdown, No. 18 Michigan leaned on a dominant ground game to outlast No. 11 USC, securing a dramatic 27-24 victory in their conference opener. The Wolverines, behind running back Kalel Mullings’ heroics, overcame a late deficit to claim a crucial win in front of a raucous crowd.
Mullings and the Run Game Dominate
Michigan pounded the ball relentlessly throughout the game, racking up 290 rushing yards, with Mullings leading the way. His 159-yard, two-touchdown performance was the difference, especially on the final drive. With just over two minutes left and the Wolverines trailing 24-20, Mullings ripped off a 63-yard run that set up his game-winning 1-yard plunge on fourth-and-goal with 37 seconds remaining.
“That’s who we are—gritty and determined,” Mullings said. “We kept grinding, kept pounding. When the game was on the line, we knew what we had to do.”
Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore echoed Mullings’ sentiment, praising his senior back’s resilience. “A will to not give in,” Moore said. “Mullings wanted it more than the defenders, and he proved it.”
Michigan’s Ground-and-Pound Identity
The Wolverines, dealing with a quarterback change and the absence of star tight end Colston Loveland, leaned heavily on the run game. Alex Orji made his first career start at quarterback, but Michigan only attempted 12 passes, with Orji completing seven for 32 yards. Instead, the Wolverines dominated on the ground, amassing 199 rushing yards in the first half alone.
Mullings opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 53-yard touchdown, setting the tone for Michigan’s physical approach. Donovan Edwards added a 41-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, giving the Wolverines a 14-0 lead.
USC linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold acknowledged the challenge his team faced. “We knew they were going to run it—it was mano-a-mano out there, and they won.”
USC’s Rally and Heartbreak
The Trojans struggled early, managing only -6 yards in their first two drives. However, quarterback Miller Moss found his rhythm, and USC clawed back from the 14-0 deficit. Moss connected with Duce Robinson for a nine-yard touchdown to make it 14-10 in the third quarter. A costly fumble by Edwards later in the game gave USC an opportunity, and Moss capitalized with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Kobi Lane, giving the Trojans a 24-20 lead with just over seven minutes remaining.
Despite USC’s rally, Michigan turned to its ground game once more, entrusting Mullings and the offensive line with the game on the line. The decision paid off as Mullings bulldozed his way to the decisive score.
“The game’s on the line—what are you going to do?” Moore said. “We knew we could count on the line and Kalel to get it done.”
Final Stand Seals Victory
USC had one last shot, but Michigan’s defense stood tall. On fourth-and-nine, the Trojans came up a yard short, sealing the victory for the Wolverines.
Mullings’ career day wasn’t just about the stats. His explosive 63-yard run and the game-winning touchdown embodied Michigan’s determination and physicality.
“It was do-or-die,” said Michigan quarterback Alex Orji. “We knew we were going to get that last yard. Confidence, grit, and hard work got us here.”
Key Stats
- Kalel Mullings (Michigan): 17 carries, 159 yards, two touchdowns
- Donovan Edwards (Michigan): 14 carries, 74 yards, one touchdown
- Alex Orji (Michigan): 7-of-12, 32 yards passing, 43 rushing yards
- Miller Moss (USC): 28-of-51, 283 yards, three touchdowns, one interception
- Woody Marks (USC): 13 carries, 100 yards
With the win, Michigan moves to 3-1 and turns its attention to next week’s matchup against Minnesota. Meanwhile, USC (2-1) will look to regroup after a tough loss in their first Big Ten battle.
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